Science, Engineering & Lab career

Civil Engineer

Also called: Structural Engineer · Transportation Engineer · Water Resources Engineer · Geotechnical Engineer

What civil engineers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a civil engineer do?

Civil engineers plan, design, build and maintain infrastructure such as roads, bridges, tunnels, dams, airports and water and sewer systems. The median pay is $100,840 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years + PE path, and employment is projected to grow +6.4% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $100,840
    $48.48/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +6.4%
    2025–35, faster than average
  • Openings per year
    22,700
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Bachelor's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    4 years + PE path
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    380,600
    Employment, 2025

What civil engineers do

Civil engineers build the world around us. They design roads, bridges and buildings, plan water supply and stormwater systems, analyze soils and foundations, manage construction, review plans for safety and code compliance, and assess aging infrastructure. Specialties include structural, transportation, geotechnical, environmental and water resources engineering.

Civil engineers need a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. A Professional Engineer (PE) license is required to sign off on public projects. Infrastructure investment supports steady demand.

Typical duties

  • Design infrastructure projects
  • Analyze loads, soils and water flow
  • Prepare plans and specifications
  • Estimate costs
  • Manage construction
  • Review plans for code compliance
  • Inspect existing infrastructure

Work environment and schedule

Civil engineers work in offices and at construction sites.

Schedule: Most work full-time; deadlines and site work can bring longer hours.

A day in the life

  1. Review structural calculations for a bridge.
  2. Meet the client about a road project.
  3. Model stormwater flows.
  4. Visit a construction site.

See a full day in the life of a civil engineer →

Civil Engineer salary

Half of civil engineers earned more than $100,840 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $68,240 for the lowest 10% to $163,220 for the top 10%.

Full civil engineer pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a civil engineer

  1. Study math and physics
  2. Earn an ABET degree
  3. Pass the FE exam
  4. Gain experience
  5. Pass the PE exam

A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is required; a PE license is needed for many roles.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a civil engineer →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Structural analysis
  • Hydraulics
  • Geotechnical engineering
  • CAD and design software
  • Construction management

People skills

  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Attention to detail

All civil engineer skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • High pay
  • Build lasting infrastructure
  • Steady demand
  • Licensed professional career

Cons

  • Legal responsibility
  • Deadlines
  • Licensing exams
  • Public and political pressure

Certifications and licenses

  • Engineer in Training (EIT): After passing the FE exam.
  • Professional Engineer (PE): State license.
  • Structural Engineer (SE): Advanced license.
  • PMP: Project management.

Career path

  1. Engineer in Training: Design under supervision.
  2. Professional Engineer: Lead designs.
  3. Project Manager: Manage projects.
  4. Principal or Director: Lead firms.

Learn the job before day one

Our Civil Engineer training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as check a structural calculation and answer a contractor RFI, safety and how to land your first job.

View Civil Engineer trainingIs this career right for me?

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Civil Engineer FAQ

Do civil engineers need a license?

A PE license is required to sign off on public plans.

What degree do they need?

A bachelor’s in civil engineering.

Is the field growing?

Yes, BLS projects faster-than-average growth.

How much does a civil engineer make?

The median annual wage for civil engineers was $100,840 ($48.48 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $68,240 and the highest 10% earned more than $163,220.

How long does it take to become a civil engineer?

Most people need about 4 years + PE path of training. A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is required; a PE license is needed for many roles.

Do you need a degree to be a civil engineer?

Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.

More civil engineer questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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